Glasflügel BS-1

The Glasflügel BS-1, sometimes called the Björn Stender BS-1 or the Stender BS-1, is a West German, high-wing, single seat, T-tailed, FAI Open Class glider that was designed by Björn Stender and produced by Glasflügel.[1][2]

BS-1
BS-1
Role Glider
National origin West Germany
Manufacturer Glasflügel
Designer Björn Stender
Introduction 1962
Status Production ended 1969
Produced 1964-1969
Number built 20, including two prototypes

Design and development

The prototype BS-1 was designed by Stender as the initials indicate; the BS-1 was closely based on his earlier Akaflieg Braunschweig SB-6 Nixope, produced whilst he was still an undergraduate. Two prototypes were built by him and his three assistants in 1962. He was then a young engineering student and designed the aircraft at the request of a South African sailplane pilot and industrialist, producing a design that was very advanced for its time. While the designer was test flying of one of the prototypes in 1963 the aircraft suffered an in-flight structural failure and Stender was killed. Glasflügel then took over the project and re-engineered the design, based on their experience producing the Glasflügel H-301 Libelle. The company went on to build 18 production aircraft.[1][2][3]

The BS-1 is constructed entirely from fiberglass and features an 18.0 m (59.1 ft) wing with flaps and dive brakes. For further glidepath control the BS-1 has a tail-mounted parachute. The landing gear is a retractable monowheel.[1][2]

A planned improved model, the BS-1b, was never produced.[2]

Operational history

The BS-1 was considered one of the first soaring "super ships" and was one of the most high-performing gliders of its time, the mid-1960s. Alfred Rohm of West Germany flew a BS-1 to a world 300 km (186 mi) speed record of 135.3 km/h (84 mph) in 1967.[4] Thierry Thys of San Leandro, California flew a BS-1 on a 917 km (570 mi) flight in 1970. At that time it was the third-longest soaring flight ever made.[1][2]

Aircraft on display
A Glasflügel BS-1 on display at the Frontiers of Flight Museum

Specifications (BS-1)

Data from Sailplane Directory and Soaring[1][2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 18.0 m (59 ft 1 in)
  • Wing area: 14.09 m2 (151.7 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 23:1
  • Empty weight: 310 kg (684 lb)
  • Gross weight: 450 kg (993 lb)

Performance

  • Maximum glide ratio: 44:1 at 84 km/h (52 mph)
  • Rate of sink: 0.543 m/s (106.8 ft/min) at 80 km/h (50 mph)
  • Wing loading: 32 kg/m2 (6.5 lb/sq ft)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References
  1. Activate Media (2006). "BS-1 Glasflugel". Archived from the original on 25 August 2012. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
  2. Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 79, Soaring Society of America November 1983. USPS 499-920
  3. Simons, Martin (2006). Sailplanes 1945-1965 (2nd revised ed.). Königswinter: EQIP Werbung & Verlag GmbH. pp. 258–261. ISBN 3 9807977 4 0.
  4. Air Progress: 18. September 1971. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  5. "Glasflügel BS-1 - Frontiers of Flight Museum". flightmuseum.com. Archived from the original on 20 December 2015. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  6. National Soaring Museum (2011). "Sailplanes in Our Collection". Archived from the original on 16 May 2011. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
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